My name is Jude De Pastino and I am a senior at Palisades Charter High School. When I was going into the second grade, my family moved from Hancock Park to the Westside and immediately found our community in the Palisades.
The Palisades is where I met my best friends and made precious memories trick or treating, playing baseball and basketball at the Rec Center, being in the 4th of July Parade, and watching the fireworks on a blanket with my family. I play varsity baseball at Pali High, and strive to represent my school and community positively on and off the field.
The opportunity to take photographs, write for and edit the Paul Revere Monthly Newsletter sparked my interest in journalism. I was even given my own column called “Hey Jude” where I gave new perspectives and advice on situations from anonymous students. During my time working on the newsletter, I fell in love with photographing the moments that made our school special.
Pali High is also a special place. Its photography class and teacher, Mr. Steil, inspired me, allowing me the freedom to explore campus and express myself creatively during class. My passion for photography grew exponentially. This fall, I will continue to expand upon my abilities in AP photography.
My love for life gives me the talent and drive to try to capture its moments, big and small. I hope to be able to take photos that portray the Palisades for what it is, an idyllic town. I have been so blessed to grow up in this wonderful community. By working with the Palisadian-Post, I will be able to give back by capturing its beautiful moments and events that affect its future.
The Palisadian-Post hosted its 11th annual Fourth of July photo contest in 2025—inviting community members to share pictures, no matter where they were celebrating this year.
Photo courtesy of Zoe Ravich McNittPhoto courtesy of Cori GrosmanPhoto courtesy of Brooke SantosPhoto courtesy of Patricia CollinsCelebrating in Solvang: “Felt like we needed to get out of town since we missed watching the Palisades fireworks from our old rooftop deck.” Photo courtesy of Heather JackThe Wyman, Canon and Mehran families celebrating the 4th in Chatham, Massachusetts. Photo courtesy of Courtney Wyman
The coalition meets on June 28 at Post 283. Photos courtesy of Palisades Recovery Coalition
By MARYAM ZAR | Contributing Writer
A Pacific Palisades Community Visioning Charrette was hosted by Palisades Recovery Coalition in partnership with RAND and AIA volunteers, UCLA Luskin, Red Cross, Resilient Palisades, and American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283. It was organized by PRC President Maryam Zar, who is Pacific Palisades Community Council chair emeritus.
The June 28 community charrette marked the beginning of a series of conversations across Pacific Palisades—bringing neighbors together to conceptualize what rebuilding can look like when rooted in resilience, foresight and collective strength.
We intend to repeat this in all eight Palisadian neighborhoods, and emerge with a blueprint for resilient rebuilding, neighborhood by neighborhood.
This first session invited residents to reimagine the future of their neighborhoods before we begin rebuilding in earnest, and we have the time to think and plan purposefully. More than reconstruction, this is about transformation: How do we live—and thrive—in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone? What choices today will help ensure our community withstands the next wildfire and emerges stronger?
With a focus on community immunity, fire-hardening and climate-adapted planning, this charrette opened a vital dialogue around design, adaptation and local identity. Participants explored tradeoffs, conceptualized fire-resilient streetscapes and helped lay down the through-lines that will shape the blueprint for long-term recovery.
The session featured remarks from State Senator Ben Allen and closing reflections from Tracy Quinn, CEO of Heal the Bay and member of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Climate Action & Fire Safe Recovery, as well as Meg Mullin of UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation and Craig Bullock, planning director for Councilwoman Traci Park.
Summary
In the wake of the Palisades fire, we intend to bring the community together over common visioning. This first charrette established a clear direction: Pacific Palisades wants to build back better—this recovery is not about returning to what was, but rising to what must be. Stronger. Smarter. More resilient. Over 100 residents representing the flat and hillside neighborhoods of Marquez Knolls (and Las Casas) came together around seven key themes.
Governance
Residents voiced strong support for local control, with a clear desire for a well-staffed, transparent permitting process and consistent building inspections. Community-based communication tools were praised, while many called for a unified message board or online hub. A clear takeaway: unifying the voices of organizations is essential for strong advocacy.
Insurance and Financing
There’s a pressing need for community guidance on insurance standards, fire-resilient upgrades and access to bridge financing like SBA loans. Senator Allen pledged to bring the insurance commissioner and insurers to the table to align rebuilding with insurability.
Community Resilience
Celebrating reopenings, supporting displaced neighbors and creating shared emergency protocols were all top priorities. Water access stood out as a critical concern—residents proposed pool markers, emergency cisterns and even a community-owned Super Scooper plane. The reopening of fire roads and a satellite fire stations were also highlighted.
Fire-Safe Homes
The community wants clear guidance—and action—on home hardening: stucco exteriors, enclosed eaves, ignition-resistant landscaping and off-grid systems.
There was a strong call for resilient rebuilding materials, knowledgeable architects, clear guidelines for code-compliant resilient characteristics, as well as locally rooted landscaping guidelines using native, climate-resilient plants that preserve the lush aesthetic of the Palisades while enhancing safety.
The Built Environment
Participants expressed interest in group construction models, prefab solutions and shared architect pools—while still preserving neighborhood character. Many want CC&Rs protected and reliable city guidance on rebuilding as they work to balance individuality with safety.
Infrastructure for Fire Response
Residents called for improved fire infrastructure: cisterns, greywater tanks, hydrant checks and reopening blocked fire access roads. A hillside-based fire station and automated early warning/firefighting systems using sound, cameras and water deployment were seen as future-critical.
Environmental Safety
Residents want landscape standards enforced, with steel fencing, erosion controls and fire-resistant materials. Proposals like desalination and water recycling received cautious support, pending environmental review.
More information on Palisades Recovery Coalition can be found at palirecovery.org. The next PRC listening session and visioning charrette will take place on Saturday, July 26, from 10 to 12 p.m. at Post 283. The meeting will be focused on the Alphabet Streets.
Six months after the devastating wildfire that swept through our community, some have painted a bleak picture of the Pacific Palisades vacant lot market—predicting that sales would stall, inventory would swell beyond control and prices would spiral downward for years to come.
However, the numbers now tell a more nuanced—and perhaps more encouraging—story.
A Reality Check on Inventory and Sales
Contrary to predictions that over 500 lots might be on the market by mid-year with only a few dozen sold, the actual situation reflects far more activity. As of late June, approximately 210 lots are listed for sale, while more than 80 have already sold. In addition, over 30 more are currently in escrow, indicating consistent buyer interest and ongoing transactions.
At the current pace—averaging around 14.5 sales per month—we now have about a 14-month supply of inventory. Just two months ago, that number was closer to 20 months, suggesting that while pricing has continued to decline, market movement has gained some traction. Furthermore, the current number of lots in escrow represents roughly seven months’ worth of inventory, indicating renewed buyer activity at the right price points.
Price Declines: Real, But Moderating
There’s no question that lot values have dropped substantially since the fire. The average price per square foot of land today is about $287, down from approximately $310 just two months ago. That equates to a decline of about 3.5% per month, a clear cooling from the steeper drops that occurred in the immediate aftermath of the fire.
Still, these are broad averages. Certain neighborhoods have seen values fall twice as much as others. For example, Alphabet Streets lots have experienced deeper declines than those in The Huntington, where larger properties, lower density, underground utilities and much lower degree of devastation make a stronger market.
Diverging Strategies Among Lot Owners
This evolving market has created a split in strategies among lot owners.
Some are selling now, aiming to capture the highest price possible before values erode further. They recognize that in a downward market, pricing just ahead of the trend—typically 1 to 2% below current expectations—can be key to securing a serious buyer. Overpricing by even 5 to 10% may result in weeks or months of stagnation, followed by a sale at a significantly lower level.
Others are opting to hold on, believing that land values will likely rebound once the community rebuilds more fully. For those not planning to reconstruct on their lot, this could be a longer-term investment strategy. However, they must balance this patience with the risk of ongoing price declines and holding costs.
An increasing number of owners are also trading lots, selling their existing property to purchase another that offers better views, more square footage or a superior location—seeking to “trade up” in a buyer-favorable environment.
The Insurance Dilemma
A major factor slowing some lot sales has been the complex process of insurance settlement. Many owners are still negotiating for higher payouts, hoping to recover an additional 10 to 20% beyond initial offers. Unfortunately, waiting for higher insurance proceeds comes with a tradeoff: As they wait, their lot’s market value may decline by 3% or more each month.
For these owners, timing is everything—both in finalizing insurance claims and deciding whether to sell, rebuild or hold.
Navigating a Buyer’s Market
This is clearly a buyer’s market—but that doesn’t mean sellers are powerless. With strategic pricing, strong presentation and thoughtful marketing, vacant lots can and are being sold. However, this is not the time to “test the market” with wishful pricing. Buyers are highly informed and cautious, and many have numerous alternatives to choose from.
Instead, sellers need to consider the broader context: inventory levels, competitive properties, recent sales data and neighborhood-specific trends. With the right approach, they can still achieve excellent outcomes—even in a shifting market.
In Summary
Yes, prices are down. Yes, inventory remains high. But no—the market is not collapsing. In fact, signs of renewed buyer confidence and adjusting seller expectations suggest that the trajectory may be slowing rather than accelerating downward.
This moment represents an important inflection point for our community. Thoughtful decisions, guided by real data rather than fear or speculation, will help each owner make the right choice for their individual situation.
Michael Edlen and his team have been focused on evaluating and effectively selling Pacific Palisades homes and lots. Contact them for more information or to arrange a consultation at team@edlenteam.com or 310-600-7422, Christina Wagner 310-220-9494 and Tatiana Weiss 310-433-3124.
By THE EDLEN TEAM, CHRISTINA WAGNER | Special to the Palisadian-Post
As of June 30, 214 land parcels (aka lots) are currently available, ranging from $899,999 for a 4,174-square-foot lot on Posetano to $7,495,000 for a 33,206-square-foot lot on Alcima. Thirty-three lots are in escrow and 102 lots have sold since January 7, ranging from $570,000 for a 5,474-square-foot lot on Posetano to $5,149,000 for a 12,098-square-foot lot on Frontera.
At the start of July, 58 single-family Palisades residences were listed in the Multiple Listing Service, ranging from a four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom home on Avenida de Santa Ynez asking $2,195,000 to a seven-bedroom, 12-bathroom on Paseo Miramar asking $54 million. A total of 15 homes were sold in the Palisades in the first half of 2025, ranging from a four-bedroom, three-bathroom on Akron, which sold for $1.4 million, to a six-bedroom, seven-bathroom on Toulon, which sold for $20 million. Median sale price was $6,449,000 (mostly due to sales in the Riviera and Rustic Canyon areas). There are currently eight standing-home escrows open in the Palisades.
There are 20 condominiums/townhouses on the market as of July 1. They range from a one-bedroom, one-bathroom on Sunset being offered at $740,000 to a three-bedroom, three-bathroom on Palisades Drive for $2,395,000. Only two condos are in escrow and five have sold since the January 7 fire. They range from a two-bedroom, two-bathroom on Sunset, which sold for $1.25 million, to a three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom on Tramonto, which sold for $2.25 million. The median sales price for condos at the end of the first half of 2025 was $1,599,000.
There are currently 63 available leases in the Palisades, starting at $4,498 per month for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit on Sunset Boulevard and asking as high as $69,500 per month for a six-bedroom, nine-bathroom house on Capri Drive. There have been 30 Palisades leases done in the first half of 2025, ranging from a two-bedroom, three-bathroom townhome on Palisades Circle, which leased for $4,800 per month, to a five-bedroom, seven-bathroom house on San Remo, which leased for $85,000 per month.
The Edlen Team has been the leading Pacific Palisades real estate team for over 25 years and has been closely tracking all post-fire activity, as well as counseling property owners on various ways to navigate their next steps. They can be reached at 310-220-9494 Christina Wagner, 310-433-3124 Tatiana Weiss and 310-600-7422 Michael Edlen.
Bob Alderman Photos courtesy of Canyon Construction Alliance
The Palisadian-Post spoke with Bob Alderman of Canyon Construction Alliance—a “full-service, in-house construction firm” that approaches each project with “empathy and purpose.”
Tell us a bit about your background—what led you to where you are today?
I’ve been a general contractor for over 35 years, with most of that time spent working in high-end residential construction. Since 1992, my team and I have served some of the most respected communities in Southern California, earning the trust of high-profile clients through referrals and reputation alone. I started negotiating insurance claims in 1994, and over time that became a key part of what we offer, especially after wildfires and other disasters.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working on unique, one-of-a-kind projects that challenged us creatively and technically. That’s where my passion for design and creating meaningful spaces really took hold. It has always been about the project, doing the job right, treating people fairly and taking pride in the finished product.
Every person on our team shares that mindset. We care about the work, the experience and the people we serve. Especially when it comes to fire rebuilds, we approach each project with empathy and purpose. Our role is not just to rebuild structures, but to help restore peace of mind, navigate complex claims and deliver honest solutions during a difficult time.
What service do you provide?
We are a full-service, in-house construction firm offering everything needed to take a project from concept to completion. Our services include architectural design, civil and structural engineering, professional permit expediting, remediation, licensed insurance adjusting, demolition and cleanup, and all phases of construction across every trade.
We have a deep understanding of fire rebuilds and what it takes to navigate that process successfully. With decades of experience working with local government agencies, we know how to move projects forward efficiently and get permits expedited without cutting corners.
What sets your business apart from others in your industry?
What truly sets us apart is that we are a full-service, in-house operation. By keeping everything under one roof, from design and engineering to insurance adjustment, permitting, and construction, we are able to move efficiently and keep projects on schedule. This structure also allows us to control costs and eliminate the layers of markup that often come with hiring multiple subcontractors under separate contracts.
At Canyon Construction Alliance, everything falls under one transparent agreement. There are no hidden fees or added percentages on materials. We supply materials at our cost and provide every client with a clear, detailed scope of work and pricing from the start.
We also proactively manage delays by ordering finishes and long-lead items well in advance. We offer secure storage for those materials so they are ready when we need them, minimizing downtime and keeping the build on track.
It is a streamlined, honest approach that saves time, reduces costs and gives our clients peace of mind throughout the entire process.
What is the most rewarding part of the work you do?
The most rewarding part of this work is helping people through the toughest moments of their lives. Whether it is rebuilding after a fire or facing something unexpected, it is not the reason that matters most, it is the result. If we can step in, take control of the chaos and make a real difference in someone’s journey, that is the payoff.
As someone who has spent years advocating for late-stage cancer patients, I have learned to lead from a place of calm, purpose and grit. That experience shaped how I show up for my clients, my team and my company. We solve problems, rebuild what matters and do it with precision, pride and zero excuses.
We exist to bring lives back together, restore peace of mind, and do it with grace, humility and strength.
What has been your most memorable or meaningful project and why?
There are two that come to mind for very different reasons.
One day I got a call from an elderly woman who was having trouble with her insurance claim after a pipe burst caused significant water damage. I could hear the stress in her voice. When she told me what the insurance company was offering, it didn’t sit right. She gave me her address, and when I arrived, it turned out to be a trailer park. It was a nice one, but not the kind of place I usually work.
Still, I looked at the damage and saw a small bathroom that had clearly been hit harder than anyone was acknowledging. She was in her 80s, a widow and just trying to get by. So I fixed it myself. I took care of everything while I fought to get her claim properly settled. She ended up getting fully reimbursed, and even had a little extra left over. Her family sent my family Christmas cards for years after she passed. That one stuck with me.
On the other end of the spectrum, I spent eight years converting the Broad Art Museum in Venice into a private residence for a longtime client. It’s a five-story building from 1929, originally purchased by Eli Broad, and it became a constantly evolving project that pushed every boundary of design, planning and construction. It was a $30 million building, rich with history and complexity, and one of the most creatively rewarding jobs I’ve ever taken on.
And then there’s everything in between. Because at the end of the day, the size of the project doesn’t matter. What matters is how much it means to the people we’re doing it for.
What advice would you give to someone who has just experienced a loss and is starting to rebuild?
First, get your insurance claim professionally adjusted. Too many people leave money on the table by accepting the initial offer. Also, if you plan to rebuild what you had on the same footprint, look into a streamlined building permit process. It can save you serious time and frustration.
If possible, leave the foundation in place until it can be fully evaluated. Especially on hillside properties, keeping even part of the foundation intact can save thousands in demolition and future construction costs. It can also dramatically shorten your rebuild timeline. With so many homeowners underinsured right now, every dollar matters.
If your team doesn’t include an expediter, hire one. You need someone who knows the permit process inside and out, and can be your advocate every step of the way.
And finally, hire local. You’re going to see contractors from all over the map showing up, but many won’t understand the land, the permitting climate or the lifestyle this community was built around. Malibu and the Palisades may be spread out, but they are tight-knit in spirit. You want people who understand that and are part of the community.
How can people contact you or learn more about your services?
I can be reached directly at 818-635-9319 or builtbybob21@gmail.com. Jenny Hall Aspell can be reached at 310-487-5397. I’m always happy to answer questions, offer guidance or help you take the next step in your rebuild or renovation.
John Bernard “Jack” Holton, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 14. He was 89 years old.
Jack was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to a family that stressed scholarship and community. But Jack focused his spare time on sports, making the varsity basketball squad and captaining the golf team.
To pay for college, Jack joined the Navy ROTC program at Marquette University, beginning an 11-year service to his country as a Navy officer and reservist. The Navy brought him to San Diego, where a love for California inspired Jack to continue his education at Stanford University.
It was at Stanford where he met future wife, Lorraine Fraga, when he invited members of several women’s colleges to attend a square dance he organized at the local Newman Center. Determined to raise a family, Jack and Lorraine were married in 1963, and Jack began a career working with some of the earliest computers at IBM.
But following a near fatal auto-accident, Jack reevaluated his career goals and moved his young family, which now included boys Michael and Steven, to study for a PhD at Northwestern University.
Still determined to be in California, Jack secured a position as a professor at USC and settled his family in nearby Pacific Palisades, where he never missed a game or school play cheering for his children, and actively supported his wife’s rewarding career in real estate sales and management.
Eager to apply his study of business to entrepreneurship, in 1990 Jack started Tamis Systems, a software company selling solutions for schools and hospitals.Jack would often amaze his family with the growing client list for the startup company.
But in the 2000s Jack stepped back from the company, and eager to play more golf, Jack and Lorraine selected a lot with an amazing view in Palm Desert. For the next 20 years they enjoyed competing in golf tournaments, singing in local choirs and many visits from cherished family and friends.
Jack’s optimism, dear heart and joy of life will be greatly missed by all who loved him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years Lorraine, treasured sons Michael and Steven, and adored grandchildren Mark, Christopher and Julia.
The Holton family is grateful for the kind condolences commemorating Jack’s life. We thank all the wonderful caregivers who helped Jack in his final years. You are forever in our hearts.
Christopher Murphy of Pacific Palisades passed away in his sleep from cardiac arrest on May 19 in San Diego at the age of 51. He is survived by his mother, Mary Fran, his father, Bob, and his sister, Meghan Murphy Rowan.
Christopher was larger than life in every respect. He attended Methodist Preschool and Corpus Christi where he was student body president. At an early age he established himself as the loudest singer and the tallest eighth-grade graduate at 5’10”.
Christopher graduated from Crossroads High School in 1992 in Santa Monica where he had a lead role in the school musical as well as other drams events. He then went on to Sonoma State where he discovered he loved to write poetry and found his love for the blues, especially the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Christopher suffered a series of physical setbacks during his young life, including a heart attack, but they never dimmed his smile.
Everyone who met him will likely remember him as a loving and gentle soul who left us with a bounty of memories and words of wisdom. He would often say, “Don’t judge; everyone has a story.”
We know he had no time to say goodbye, but if he had the chance, he would have reassured us that everything would be alright. Heaven always has a place for 6’5”, empathetic, non-judgmental, talented and caring people. By now he is certainly singing with the angels.
Runners crowd Ocean Front Walk to start the Will Rogers 5K on Fourth of July morning at Venice Beach. Nearly 1,100 people signed up despite the annual race not being held in Pacific Palisades. Photos by Steve Galluzzo
Henry Didden and Kayla Clayton Celebrate the Fourth of July by Winning the Will Rogers 5K in Venice
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
I n his 2002 novel “ I Am the Messenger” Australian author Markus Zusak famously wrote: “It’s not the place, I think. It’s the people.”
Last Friday, the annual Palisades Will Rogers Run did not take place at its usual location but that did not deter more than one thousand runners from waking up early, hopping in their cars and driving seven miles to Venice Beach to keep a proud 48-year holiday tradition alive.
When the Palisades Fire laid waste to much of the Huntington and Riviera neighborhoods in January, race organizers Thomas Hathaway, James Klein and their talented team did not give up hope of hosting the town’s annual Fourth of July race. It got canceled for two years during COVID and rather than deprive the community of its biggest celebration of the year again they explored the feasibility of staging the event at an alternate site and using the proceeds to rebuild the Palisades Recreation Center (where the race starts and ends) and the Village. They mapped out a comparable course, applied for permits and proved the adage“where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Longtime Palisadians Jimmy Dunne and Sam Lagana reprised their roles as race announcers and spouted race history and trivia. “You’d better be fast if you’re doing two laps,” Lagana joked, reminding participants that there was only a 5K.
While runners congregated at the starting line on Ocean Front Walk, City Councilwoman Traci Park had a message for her constituents. “I know things feel a little different,” she said. “But continue sticking together and we’ll fully recover.”
A moment of silence was observed for first responders and those who losy their lives in the Fire, then four members of the Blue Eagles Honor Guard presented the colors and Mia Ruhman, back by popular demand, sang a flawless rendition of the national anthem in her soprano voice. The 22-year-old, who just graduated from UCLA, grew up on Muskingum Avenue and attended Pali Elementary and Palisades High. She wrote and stars in a pop opera titled “Nannerl” about the life of Mozart’s older sister, which premiered June 5 in Santa Monica. Ruhman sang the Star-Spangled Banner at last year’s Will Rogers Run but her encore performance was even better.
Then, the field of 1,094 registered runners was sent on its way. Fifteen and a half minutes later, Henry Didden made the final turn onto Windward Avenue from Pacific and sprinted the last 50 yards to the finish.
It was the third Will Rogers win in a row for the 21-year-old from Woodland Hills, who won the 10K the previous two years.
This victory, though, was extra special. He dedicated the race to his grandfather who just passed away and his grandmother just moved back into her home in the Highlands.
“I registered at the last minute… I run this every year to support the Palisades,” Didden said. “My uncle and my dad hosed eveyrthing down and saved the house. All of their neighbors’ houses burned.”
Didden is used to the grueling Will Rogers Park switchbacks and found the flat street course in Venice much easier. The route was 3.2 miles (one-tenth of a mile longer than a 5K, yet even with the added distancehe clocked 15:39—the fastest winning time since 2009 when Ravi Amarawansa clocked15:13. The 5K standard of 14:10 was set in 2003 by Peter Gilmore, a 1995 Pali Highgraduate who went on to star at UC Berkeley and won his hometown race a record eight times.
“I didn’t miss the hill up to the polo field, that’s tough,” Didden confessed. “I’m just happy to be out here. I’m training at altitude in Mammoth Lakes.”
Didden will be entering his senior year at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, where he ran a personal-best 29:34 for the 10K at a home meet in April. He won the Palisades Will Rogers 10K in 34:04 in 2023 and repeated in 32:46 last July. He was first in his age group in 2019 and 2022.
Coming in second, 11 seconds behind Didden, was 30-year-old Michael Mrgudic of Modesto and Loyola High junior Ernesto Jalomo was third in 16:03.
Mitchell Majors, who was third overall in the Will Rogers 10K last year (36:07)shortly after graduating from Paul Revere Middle School, took sixth last Friday in 16:33, good enough to win his age group.The 15-year-old just finished his freshman year at Viewpoint, where he PR’d in 15:30.8 for three miles in November at the Gold Coast League cross country finals.
Thanks to Zach Cohen (fourth in 16:11), Andrew Razo seventh in 16:41) andOwen Lewicky (eighth in 16:47), Pali High won the Dick Lemen Perpetual Trophy, awarded to the school with the lowest team score. Two more Dolphins, Theo Mayeda and Ethan Funk rounded out the top 10 (both in 16:55) and 48-year-old Brian Duff, who won the Palisades Will Rogers 5K in 2008 and the inaugural Palisades Lutheran 5K in 2021, was 13th overall and first in the men’s 45-49 category in 17:10.
A pair of familiar faces at the finish line belonged to Larry Meyer and Tonny Okello.
Meyer has run the event every year but one since it debuted in 1978, and he always wears the t-shirt from the inaugural race. He finished in 56:41 this time.
“My wife knows to hand wash as it only comes out once a year,” said the 78-year-old from Glendale, who ran the 10K for the first 40 years before switching to the 5K.“In fact, this shirt is 14 days older than my daughter Serena, who ran the Great Wall of China Marathon with me 20 years ago.”
Okello decided to run three days earlier and why not? The 41-year old Ugandan now lives in Mar Vista and runs to Venice and back all the time. He won the Palisades Will Rogers 10K a record five times in a row from 2014-18.
“[Santa Monica Track Club coach] Joe Douglas told me about it and I thought why not?” Okello said. “I still run but not competitively. In fact, the last race I ran was the Palisades 5K last July 4. I wanted to break 20 minutes today and I did.”
Okello finished 28th overall and second in his age group in 18:58 after coming in 20th in 18:39 on the Palisades 5K course in both 2023 and 2024.
The temperature was ideal (73 degrees) and despite the different location and the absence of the 10K (one of the most popular in California), the race was well attended. Last year it drew 2,470 runners (1,828 in the 5K and 642 in the 10K)—the biggest field since the event resumed in 2022 following a two-year hiatus.
Winning the women’s race and placing 24th overall in 18:43 was Kayla Clayton, a 25-year-old from Salinas who ran alongside her boyfriend Asher Low.
“We met right after the fires,” said Clayton, a former track and cross country runner at Southern Oregon. “I’m in graduate school in Monterey and we made the trip down last night. I mostly run marathons. We were just trying to run under 19 [minutes].”
Low grew up in the Alphabet Streets and went to Pali Elementary, Paul Revere and spent one year at Pali High before graduating from Harvard-Westlake. He went to the University of Wisconsin, then grad school at Pepperdine, where he was the public address announcer.
“I took Sam [Lagana’s] job,” he joked. “If the Rams position opens up tell him to give me a call.”
Low was set to transfer up north when tragedy struck in January, butthe twist of fate had a happy ending.
“I was in Santa Monica and was set to relocate in February but my lease was up in December, so I moved back in with my parents temporarily and that’s when the fire came,” he recalled. “We lost our home on Fiske that my dad bought in 1992. When I was born I was brought home from the hospital to that house. Had it happened a few weeks earlier or a few weeks laterI wouldn’t have lost any of my stuff.”
Low, a project manager in hotel management, followed through on his plan anyway.
“I met Kayla at a Monday night running club the second week I moved there,” he said. “Now we’re dating.”
Right behind Clayton was Phoebe Benun, last year’s 5K champion, who graduated from Santa Monica High last month and will continue her track career at Yale.
“I miss the hills in the Palisades, they make the the course more interesting but I liked being by the ocean and starting early,” said Benun, who promptly left to watch the Santa Monica Parade and then the fireworks show at the LA Galaxy game. “I was just running for fun and trying to keep up with her Clayton) and watching out for people crossing the street ahead. This is one of my favorite races and I plan to come again next year.”
Nine-year-old Greyson Mallenwon the Kids’ Fun Run, which was0.65 miles, slightly longer than the half-mile loop in the Palisades. He was so far ahead that he ran the last 50 yards backwards, stumbled and fell, but got up in plenty of time to cross the finish line first.
He has grown up running the race and also enjoys basketball, soccer, skateboarding and boogie boarding. Joining him in the Fun Run was his sister Saydee (7) while his parents Blake and Karis ran the 5K. They lost their Highlands home in the fire and are now renting in Venice.
The flat 3.2-mile route started at the beach, continued along Pacific Avenue to South Venice Blvd. and east on Abbot Kinney Blvd. before making a U-turn near Washington Blvd. and ending at the Windward and Pacific intersection.
—— Click on any photo below to view slide show ——
Palisades High cross country and track runners (l-r) Zachary Cohen, Andrew Razo and Owen Lewicky finished fourth, seventh and eighth respectively, as the Dolphins took first place in the schools competition.
Nine-year-old Greyson Mallen is all by himself at the finish line of the Kids’ Fun Run last Friday morning in Venice.
Youngsters sprint from the starting line to begin the 27th annual Kids’ Fun Run on a slightly longer course than the one in the Palisades.
Five-time 10K king Tonny Okello ran the relocated 5K in 18:58.
Phoebe Benun finished second in 18:54 after winning last year.
Leading lady Kayla Clayton cannot help but smile as she approaches the finish line during last Friday morning’s holiday race at Venice Beach.
Palisades High teammates Ethan Funk (left) and Theo Mayeda reach the finish line side by side in 16:55.
Mitchell Majors finished sixth in 16:33 and won his age division.
Michael Mrgudic, a 30-year-old from Modesto, came in second.
Henry Didden raises his arms in recognition of winning the Will Rogers 5K on July 4. The 21-year-old was the 10K champion in 2023 and 2024.
Larry Meyer wears his shirt from the first Will Rogers race in 1978.
Even pushing a two-seat stroller, Joel House clocked 32:41.
Palisadians Natalie (left) and Emma Fisher jog along Ocean Front Walk. They started and finished the route together.
William Reierson of Malibu took third in the 13-15 age group.
Lifelong Palisadian Mia Ruhman sang the national anthem.
Councilwoman Traci Park wishes everyone at Windward Plaza a happy Fourth of July.
Sam Lagana advises runners to begin lining up 10 minutes before the 7 a.m. start time.
Announcer Jimmy Dunne before the 5K with Ted McGinley and Gigi Rice, new co-honorary mayors of Pacific Palisades.
Keilah Davies (left) and younger sister Lillian ran the 5K.
Eitan Schapiro (left) and Jett Teegardin show their patriotism while warming up for last Friday’s 5K at Venice Beach.
Gladstones will reopen its public deck on Friday, July 4, following months of recovery efforts after the Palisades fire.
“The reopening of Gladstones is more than just the return of a beloved landmark, it’s a celebration of resilience, community and coastal Los Angeles at its finest,” Gladstones shared with the Palisadian-Post. “Guests can look forward to our seafood classics, sweeping ocean views, the beach, good vibes and a refreshed experience that honors our legacy while embracing a bold new chapter.”
The public deck will provide ample space for visitors. Designed by architect Stephen Francis Jones, the remodeled area will feature a fresh coastal aesthetic that blends “timeless beach vibes with a contemporary twist.” A new mural by Los Angeles-based artist Jonas Never, celebrating local culture and resilience, will also be on display at Gladstones.
Due to damage sustained during the Palisades fire, Gladstones said the team has used this time to begin renovating the indoor space. The indoor renovation is expected to be completed by early 2026. The newly opened deck will remain fully operational in the meantime.
Gladstones told the Post it is currently in Phase One of the project, and due to limited kitchen space, will be offering a “pared down” version of its previous menu. But guests can still enjoy a menu of “fan favorites,” including Gladstones’ fish tacos, ceviche and lobster rolls.
“Our goal with Phase Two is to use modern techniques and updated equipment to create a food-driven program that will far exceed the expectations of casual diners and sophisticated palettes alike,” Gladstones explained. “We will have something for everyone.”
As a thank you to the community, Gladstones will offer 50% off food and drinks throughout July for Malibu and Palisades residents, as well as first responders.
“After everything this community has endured, we hope to offer something simple but meaningful—good food and some good news in a world that needs both,” Co-Owner and General Manager of Gladstones Legacy Group Jim Harris said in a statement. “This reopening is our way of saying—we’re still here, and we’re here for you.”
For the foreseeable future, Gladstones will be open from 11 a.m. to sunset.
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